The Audi Q7 is among the top contenders for those seeking a luxury three-row SUV who prioritize a posh cabin, upscale amenities, and legitimate handling prowess. Audi’s second-largest SUV also offers a choice of powertrains, handsome exterior styling, and a bevy of features to keep it an attractive option against the likes of the Mercedes GLE, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Genesis GV80.

The Q7 debuted for the 2007 model year and is now in its second generation, which was facelifted for 2020. The base Q7 rides into 2023 with a new engine while higher models have received updated standard features. What remains is Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system as standard. These updates keep the Q7 in the upper echelon of the luxury three-row mid-sized SUV class and on the shortlist for anyone shopping in the segment.

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2023 Audi Q7 Performance And Capability

For 2023, the Audi Q7 is available in the following trims:

• Premium 45
• Premium 45 Plus
• Premium 55
• Premium 55 Plus
• Prestige 55

Perhaps the most significant update for the 2023 Q7 is a new standard engine. The 248-horsepower turbo four-cylinder that powered previous base Q7 models has been replaced by the 261 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque turbo-four from Audi’s A4 sedan and paired with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.

Models wearing the “55” designation come standard with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine offering 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 74 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque over the base, 45, models. Both engines pair with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the V-6 engine, the Q7 will scoot from 0-60 mph in five seconds.

Q7 45 models are EPA rated at 21 combined mpg (19 city/25 highway) while 55 models are slightly less economic at 20 combined mpg (18 city/22 highway). For those who need to tow, the V-6 engine unlocks the Q7’s full 7,700-pound towing capacity while 45 models are limited to 4,400 pounds.

Despite its larger proportions, the Q7 is no lumbering SUV — it has respectable agility, especially with the optional adaptive air suspension which delivers supremely smooth comfort on all road surfaces. Steering feel is accurate and on the heavy side, providing additional confidence when pushing the Q7.

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Exterior Design

Three new color options are available for the 2023 Q7, including Tamarind Brown, Satellite Silver, and Waitomo Blue. The Q7 is available in the following colors:

• Mythos Black
• Samurai Gray
• Glacier White
• Satellite Silver
• Tamarind Brown
• Waitomo Blue
• Navarra Blue
• Carrara White
• Vicuna Beige

The Q7’s outward appearance certainly isn’t the most exciting model to view. That is positive for those seeking an inoffensive design, but it can leave those who want to make a splash in the parking lot desiring more. The front end features Audi’s signature grille flanked by two intakes, available Matrix-design LED headlights, and a hood that slopes gently down to the front fascia with chiseled edges.

In profile, there’s a single character line running just below the beltline with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard with 20- and 22-inch wheels available. At the rear, the liftgate slopes outward to increase cargo area, but again, its design is best described as innocuous, though slim and wide taillights and running lights on the rear bumper help to break up the monotony.

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Interior Quality And Technology

While the Q7’s exterior is nothing to write home about, its cabin is far more invigorating to the eyes, though it still sports a minimalistic approach. One of the most notable features is the dual-screen setup in the dash, which can be a love-it-or-hate-it feature depending on one’s tech-savviness. The 10.1-inch upper screen operates as the infotainment system while the eight-inch bottom screen is dedicated to settings like climate control and other features.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and the navigation system has a useful handwriting feature that allows for plugging in your destination address by writing on the screen, cutting down the time it takes to use a rotary dial or other controls in similar models. SiriusXM is standard, as are four USB ports, a 10-speaker audio system, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster.

For creature comforts, the Q7 offers a generous list of features as standard, including a moonroof, power-folding liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Opting for a Premium Plus model includes features like wireless charging, a high-end Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a heated steering wheel, and other features while the top-of-the-range Prestige trim features four-zone automatic climate control, leather armrests, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats, a head-up display and soft-closing doors.

On par with most luxury seven-seat mid-size SUVs, the Q7 provides plenty of passenger space for those in the front two rows and a large cargo area provided the third row is folded flat. The third row is best for smaller kids, as adults won’t be able to sit comfortably with just 29.2 inches of rear leg room.

The Q7 offers just 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which comes with standard power folding, but that swells to nearly 70 cubic feet behind the front seats. Models equipped with the optional air suspension can also be lowered to ease loading bulky or heavy items into the cargo hold.

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2023 Audi Q7 Price, Availability, And Safety

The 2023 Audi Q7 is available now. Pricing for the model starts at $60,395 for a base Premium 45 model with the top-of-the-range Prestige 55 ringing in at $75,595 with destination. The 2023 Q7 comes standard with front and rear parking sensors and active safety features including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision mitigation. The Convenience Package adds adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, and the Prestige model is fitted with an automated parking system.

The IIHS has ranked the 2023 Q7 “Good” in all categories but headlights, were rated “poor.” The NHTSA has yet to test the 2023 model.

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Main Competition

The 2023 Audi Q7 has plenty of rivals in its segment where it competes with stalwarts like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90, along with the Genesis GV80 and Acura MDX. All of these models stack up relatively close on paper, but the Q7 has the advantage of starting at a lower price than the X5, and its third row is standard while it's optional in the BMW. The XC90 starts at nearly $8,000 lower than the Audi, but it offers less power as standard and less cargo room, and the same can be said for the GV80.

The MDX has a standard third row and a more spacious interior with more power.

One notable advantage of the Audi is its standard all-wheel-drive system. Its competitors either require buyers to purchase a higher trim or tack-on AWD. However, those who put a premium on styling might be more drawn to other models versus the Q7’s somewhat bland exterior looks, and its dual-screen setup could turn off those who aren’t particularly screen-friendly.

Overall, the Q7 is a notably attractive option in the midsize, three-row SUV segment, but with so many models available and fairly similar pricing, features, and capabilities, those in the market for the Audi should do some shopping around. Of course, those looking for all the attributes of the Q7 with more sportiness should consider its more powerful sibling, the SQ7.

FAQ

Q: Is Audi redesigning the Q7?

The second generation Q7 was introduced back in 2015 and it received a facelift in 2021. So the Q7 is due for a complete redesign and rumors suggest that it might happen sometime between 2024 and 2026.

Q: What is the 0 to 60 on the Audi Q7 2023?

A Q7 equipped with the 3.0 V-6 can hit 60 mph in just five seconds.

Q: Does the 2023 Q7 have heads up display?

As part of a plethora of tech features, the 2023 Audi Q7 offers a head up display.

Q: What is the Q7 equivalent to a Mercedes?

The Q7 equivalent to a Mercedes is the GLE.